Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have made an incredible discovery that could change the way we use light in technology.
By adding a new dimension—time—to how light is controlled, researchers have opened the door to exciting possibilities in fields like computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology.
For years, scientists have theorized that light could be manipulated in a new way by controlling how it moves over time.
Now, this idea has been successfully demonstrated using special materials called transparent conducting oxides (TCOs).
These materials are commonly found in everyday items such as touchscreens and solar panels.
They are ultra-thin, measuring just 250 nanometers (0.00025 mm)—even smaller than the wavelength of visible light.
Dr. Marcello Ferrera, an Associate Professor of Nanophotonics at Heriot-Watt University, led the research team with support from Purdue University in the United States.
Their breakthrough involved using ultra-fast pulses of light to change the properties of TCOs in a way that had never been done before.
This allowed them to control both the direction and energy of individual particles of light, known as photons, something previously considered impossible.
This discovery could have a huge impact on the speed and volume of data processing, making future technologies much faster and more efficient.
Experts believe it could revolutionize optical computing, AI, and quantum technologies, allowing computers and data centers to process information at a much higher speed while using less energy.
“It’s hard to predict all the advancements we will see as a result of this breakthrough,” says Dr. Ferrera. “But one thing is clear—this will bring major benefits to industries that rely on high-speed data processing, including AI, cloud computing, and even virtual reality.”
One exciting potential application is in making online experiences more immersive. For example, a fully 3D virtual meeting would require an enormous amount of computing power.
This new technology could make it possible by drastically increasing processing speed without consuming too much energy.
“Right now, science is trying to replicate the power of the human brain using electronic hardware,” explains Dr. Ferrera. “The materials we’re working with could be the key to achieving this goal while reducing energy costs and increasing processing efficiency.”
The key to their success lies in the ability to manipulate how fast photons travel through TCOs. This effectively adds a “fourth dimension” to light, making it possible to amplify light, create new quantum states, and unlock new forms of light control. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast, energy-efficient optical technologies that were previously only imagined.
Other researchers, such as Dr. Wallace Jaffray and Sven Stengel from Heriot-Watt University, and distinguished professors Vladimir M. Shalaev and Alexandra Boltasseva from Purdue University, have also played an important role in advancing this research.
According to Dr. Shalaev, “These special materials have revolutionized the field of optical technology, making it possible to manipulate light signals at speeds we never thought possible.”
Dr. Boltasseva adds, “For the first time, we can use time as a tool to engineer materials beyond what traditional methods allow. This opens up an entirely new world of possibilities.”
In short, this breakthrough is a game-changer. It could lead to the development of ultra-fast optical technologies that change the way we process information, interact with AI, and experience digital worlds. With this discovery, scientists have taken a major step toward the future of high-speed, energy-efficient computing.
